Ghost Sign

Occasionally my job requires me to be in Cincinnati in the wee hours of the morning. Not long ago, as I was leaving our downtown site just after dawn, I spotted this blast from the past on a nearby rooftop. In case seeing this made you feel old, I’ve got some good news: Shillito’s went out of business in 1986, which means this sign has been exposed to the elements, unretouched, for the last thirty-seven years. All things considered, it’s held up pretty well. So you’re probably doing better than you think.

Fifty-One Years Ago Today

I hear you talking
When I’m on the street
Your mouth don’t move
But I can hear you speak

What’s the matter with the boy?
He don’t come around no more
Is he checking out for sure?
Is he gonna close the door on me?

I’m always hearing voices
On the street
I want to shout
But I can’t hardly speak

I was making love last night
To a dancer friend of mine
I can’t seem to stay in step
Come every time that she pirouettes for me

And I only get my rocks off
While I’m dreaming
I only get my rocks off
While I’m sleeping

I’m zipping through the days
At lightning speed
Plug in, flush out
And fire the fuckin’ feed

Heading for the overload
Splattered on the dirty road
Kick me like you’ve kicked before
I can’t even feel the pain no more

But I only get my rocks off
While I’m dreaming
I only get my rocks off
While I’m sleeping

Feel so hypnotized, can’t describe the scene
It’s all mesmerized, all that inside me
The sunshine bores the daylights out of me
Chasing shadows, moonlight mystery

Heading for the overload
Splattered on the dirty road
Kick me like you’ve kicked before
I can’t even feel the pain no more

And I only get my rocks off
While I’m dreaming
I only get my rocks off
While I’m sleeping

And I only get my rocks off
While I’m dreaming
And I only get my rocks off
While I’m sleeping

Only get em off
Only get ’em off
Get ’em off
Only get ’em off, get ’em off
Only get ’em off

Songwriters: Keith Richards / Mick Jagger